Research

February 20, 2025

Experts publish action plan to address appendiceal cancer enigmas

They have identified key research priority areas to deliver a fundamental understanding of appendiceal tumors and to improve treatments and outcomes for patients.

By Tom Wilemon
February 18, 2025

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is consulting people in the Nashville area about participating in a study to investigate using fresh frozen plasma to treat traumatic brain injury

The goal of the research is to determine if this treatment reduces the amount their brain lesion (brain bruise) grows and leads to better long-term brain function.

By VUMC News and Communications
February 17, 2025

Weight-loss surgery associated with reduced dementia

An observational study found that bariatric surgery was associated with 63% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

By Paul Govern
This year’s awardees are, from left, Stokes Peebles, MD, Ravi Shah, MD, John Gore, PhD, and Jeffrey Davidson, PhD. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
February 14, 2025

VUMC honors four translational scientists

Translational research brings discoveries from the laboratory and preclinical studies to clinical trials and studies in humans.

By Bill Snyder
February 13, 2025

How researchers are enlisting volunteers to help shape clinical trials

Through a new tool offered by ResearchMatch, researchers planning trials can quickly survey potential participants about topics ranging from participant compensation to protocol design.

By Paul Govern
Sarah Tishkoff, PhD
February 13, 2025

Vanderbilt Prize winner to discuss ‘evolutionary genomics’ on March 6

Tishkoff’s groundbreaking research at the University of Pennsylvania has broad implications for understanding and treating human disease.

By Bill Snyder
February 13, 2025

Researchers simulate battlefield blast exposures to reduce impact on soldiers

The military was interested in finding ways to reduce impact on the brain by developing strategies that could be employed during training exercises.
By Craig Boerner
February 6, 2025

Waddell Walker Hancock Cancer Discovery Fund names two more scholars 

The funds will support Justin Balko’s research on breast cancer and Kathleen DelGiorno’s research on pancreatic cancer.
By Tom Wilemon
February 3, 2025

Study shows urine test for prostate cancer could be used at home

The results are important because it could enable at-home testing and increased access to testing for patients undergoing telehealth care.
By Craig Boerner
February 3, 2025

Digital pathology aims to unlock secrets hidden in tissue samples

The pilot project, which is expected to digitize 500,000 slides over three years, aims to open avenues for research, assist with access to whole-slide images for education and clinical meetings (of tumor boards, for example), and facilitate planning for the implementation of digital pathology for diagnostic purposes. 
By Leigh MacMillan (video by Erin O. Smith and Donn Jones)
February 3, 2025

VUMC study takes closer look at how pulmonary fibrosis unfolds

The research could point to future therapeutic strategies that treat PF patients based on their individual stage of cellular and molecular remodeling.
By Nancy Humphrey
January 28, 2025

Inherited gene elevates prostate cancer risk in affected families

The inherited mutated gene WNT9B, which functions normally in embryonic prostate development, increases risk of adult prostate cancer.
By Craig Boerner
January 27, 2025

Personalized, image-guided approach to programming may improve music perception abilities for patients with cochlear implants

As research in cochlear implant stimulation expands to include music perception, clearing up channel interaction remains the focal point as audiologists aim to customize how electrodes stimulate the auditory nerve to improve patients’ ability to hear music.
By Evan Dorian
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